CHICAGO — The Packers face Devin Hester twice a season, so no one has to remind them how dangerous he is, heading into in today’s NFC Championship. The most prolific kick returner in NFL history had a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Packers in Week 3 and can tilt any game toward the Bears.

“He can do everything,” Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk said. “Once he gets the ball in his hands, he’s tough to stop. Tough to get down. He does a great job of especially returning punts. When he gets the ball, he might make a few moves, make the first guy miss. He gets vertical quick. … They can crease you pretty quick and he can get in the end zone fast.”

Hester has 14 career touchdown returns — no one has more — including 10 punts and four kickoffs turned into points for the Bears. He also scored on a 92-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLI. In the rematch against the Packers in this year’s regular-season finale, Hester was held in check, with two punt returns for 35 yards.

* Hawk sat out Friday’s practice with a bruised knee but is expected to play. … An unsung skill that Jay Cutler adds to the Bears offense is an ability to scramble for yardage. He actually scored two rushing touchdowns in last week’s victory over the Seahawks. “His decision to take off and go without the hesitation is big,” offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. “Obviously, with his footwork and his speed, he makes plays with his feet. I’ve not had a quarterback like that before.”

* Bears CB Charles Tillman said the Packers receiver corps is “the best in the NFL.”

It’s a deep group, as for the first time in franchise history, the Packers have four players with 40 or more receptions.

* Aaron Rodgers has guided the Packers to 45, 21 and 48 points in his three career playoff starts dating back to last year. In six career games vs. the Bears, Rodgers has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,396 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Bears are in their second NFC title game in the last five years and the Packers are in their second in the past four years. … Since Dom Capers became the defensive coordinator in 2009, the Green Bay defense is first in the league in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (11), opponent passer rating (68.0) and interceptions (54).

* The Packers led the NFL this season with 30 drives lasting at least five minutes. Last week in Atlanta, Green Bay had four touchdown drives of at least 80 yards for the first time in team history. The Packers controlled the ball for 38:19 vs. the Falcons — the best in team history since time of possession was first recorded in 1977.